Bushfire aerial patrols

Our bushfire patrol involves the inspection of more than 180,000 power poles in, and around, bushfire prone areas - often across rugged terrain. These aerial patrols help prevent bushfires by identifying where we need to repair equipment before the start of the bushfire season.

Previously, we used helicopters for these inspections. In 2024, we began using drones to offer a quieter and more accurate way of inspecting the lines. Drones have less of an impact on our customers, with flight paths directly following powerlines and reducing the need to fly above private properties and farmland.

The drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors. This means we can conduct detailed inspections with a high level of accuracy and speed, even in hard-to-reach areas. The drone's technology ensures they only capture pictures of our electrical assets and not of the surrounding properties.

Our drones are operated by licensed pilots, and within CASA regulations, under the authority of Endeavour Energy's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate.

All customers are notified via SMS in the lead up to a drone flying near their property. To minimise inconvenience to residents and livestock during aerial surveys, we also maintain a list of registered customers to be notified by phone, two business days before any scheduled flights near their property.

Make sure that you receive a text message notification of when a drone will be near your property, by ensuring that we have your latest contact details on file.

To receive more information, or be registered on the pre-flight contact list, please call 131 003 or complete our contact form below.